The Final Ethiopian Aliyah

Yesterday, some 450 new immigrants from Ethiopia boarded two Jewish Agency-chartered flights bound for Israel.

Since 2010, thousands of Ethiopians have immigrated to Israel as part of Operation Dove’s Wings. These flights will bring this historic effort to a dramatic close.

For the past two decades, our Federation has been a driving force in helping Ethiopian Jews immigrate, integrate into Israeli society, and break the cycle of poverty.

“What an amazing homecoming to reunite Ethiopian Jewish families and our larger Jewish family in Israel” wrote Jennifer Gorovitz, CEO. “A huge thank you to the Federation system and the Jewish Agency for taking care of family. And, thank you to our Israel Office Director Barak Loozon for being there to capture the poignant climax of this historic return.”

This footage shows the final arrival of Ethiopian Jewish immigrants reuniting with family members at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel:

The great success of this program to bring Ethiopian Jews to Israel is thanks to outstanding support from our Federation community, and from other Federations across the country.